Hawaiian Landscape 1928

Editor: Here we have Arman Manookian's "Hawaiian Landscape," painted in 1928, seemingly with acrylic on canvas. I'm immediately struck by its flattened perspective and vibrant use of blues and greens. What is your interpretation of this work? Curator: The intense colors are immediately appealing. But let's think about how this landscape was produced, both artistically and economically. Where did Manookian get his pigments? Were they locally sourced or imported? The answer speaks volumes about Hawaii’s colonial economy in the 1920s and the global movement of goods that shaped artmaking. Editor: That's a really interesting angle I hadn't considered! How does this affect our understanding of the piece beyond just the visual? Curator: Manookian's artistic process becomes inextricably linked to Hawaii’s complex socio-political landscape. The materiality of the paint and canvas used – its production, distribution, and consumption – challenge the notion of this scene being simply a beautiful depiction of a landscape. The availability and affordability of the materials impacted what the artist created, shifting landscape to product. Editor: So you're saying the materials themselves tell a story about colonialism and trade? Curator: Precisely! Also note the geometric nature of the piece. In order to sell it the piece must resonate with people interested in purchasing and consuming works that feel familiar to landscapes that exist everywhere else in the world. In that regard, even the choice to geometricize aspects of the work can be regarded as part of the sale itself! What were these landscapes really? Editor: Wow, I never would have thought of that. I came looking at form, but I'm leaving thinking about resource distribution. Curator: Precisely! This makes you realize this particular artform can act as an illustration that allows us to discuss commerce itself!